Mirador…

As a follow on to the last entry, we did manage to separate Chris from his sun bed and treat him to a birthday lunch.

We took him to the Mirador Restaurant. Which is a very rustic, traditional Spanish eating-house that just happens to be situated lakeside on the road heading to Chorro.

It is easy to miss, as it is located above a tunnel on the route mentioned before. The food is always good and as can be seen the views are truly stunning, the picture taken without rising from our table, hence the name Mirador, which is View/ vantage point, depending on your dictionary.

The lakes are a favourite with picnickers, walkers, and of course water sport enthusiasts. The only water sports allowed are the non-powered variety, sailing canoeing, and pedaloes.

Even Chris took many a picture on the drive, and he is not easily impressed by scenery…

On yer doorstep…..

One of the things where we are very fortunate is that we live right on the edge of the Andalucian Lake District.

You know how it is, if it’s so near you seldom venture out to have a look, and as can be seen from the map we really are that close. We can in fact drive from here in the direction of Antequera, turn left and go around the mountain, straight into the lakes area en route to El Chorro.Returning back to home direct from there making a circular short trip.

Spectacular views are all around, it can be quite distracting driving along soaking up the views, we therefore intend to go out one day whilst we have family here, Chris has not seen this area before preferring to sit around the pool, but the promise of lunch may well be the encouragement needed to shift him from the sunbed…..

Who’s go?

One of the things we are grateful about here at the moment, is the ability to sit out on the terrace all evening after the sun has gone down.

Winter time it is sit indoors in front of the fire watching TV, but now the TV is off and we live mostly outdoors, obviously the pool is in constant use as a means to cool off during the day, but in the evenings we enjoy sitting out in temperatures in the 20’s.

As can be seen last night we were even joined by Mutley, who decided she fancied a game of Scrabble….. She was a bit stuck though, how do you spell bone….. Is it 1 n, or 2??????

Trouble in Valle...........

At the weekend we were invited to attend a meeting in the pueblo concerning the misdemeanours of our previous Mayor, Don Tomas Gomez Arrabal.

Regular readers might recall that quite a while ago he, the Ex-Mayor, had been called to court for issuing excessive building licences, and we were all lead to think that he had been rapped on the knuckles, demobbed and that was the end of it all…but oh no!!

He, and three other councillors, have been up before the judge again and are reportedly, awaiting sentencing…. possible prison sentences. The actual charges, vary depending on whom you speak to, some say it is issuing the build licences, some say it is allowing the houses to be built without architects plans!!

This is obviously very worrying for us ‘new builds’ despite what paper work we might think we have.. .. especially when you read so much about ‘illegal’ builds in the local press.

The meeting on Saturday, which was very well attended with about 200 people (only about half a dozen Ingles), was to rally support for the councillors and to encourage us to sign a petition asking for a pardon and their release. Another meeting is planned for two weeks time, so watch this space….. !!

Disculpen las Molestias……..

On going down to the village the other day, I was greeted by the sight in the piccie, basically the whole of Plaza de San Lorenzo was dug up and there were workmen everywhere.

Initially we felt slightly aggrieved because we had been told that the track from the village up to us was definitely going to be tarmaced last September, but when it did not happen, were told that the Ayuntamiento had no money left so it would be on hold until they received their allowance from the Junta.

After further enquiries it was revealed that the work being done in the village was being totally funded by the main Government. Apparently, Zapatero, the Spanish prime minister, has created a PlanE, whereby the Government, in a bid to stimulate the economy and employment, has injected money into communities all over Spain.

The money sent our way, in Valle de Abdalajis is paying for a total refurbishment of the main infrastructure, meaning unfortunately total disruption in the village for the next six months …… but it has given work to lots of people, for now anyway.

Fruta De Nispero...

At last we have something to show for all our hard work.

As regular readers are aware, we, here at Finca La Mariposa, have spent the
last couple of years planting out various fruit trees, all of which have been either purchased or saved from the fire (as being regarded too small to sell) at the Garden centre where Steve Works.

One of the trees which was purchased very small about three years ago was a Nispero which has now produced fruit this year in enough quantity to warrant the necessity to use it up quickly, as it’s fruit turns very quickly from ripe to no good at all in a matter of days.

Tania has therefore turned the early crop into Jam, there are a few more still on the tree that when ripe, will be eaten.

The fruit itself is small, about Apricot size, and indeed in colour too, but it is in fact an oriental relative of the Apple.

The English name for this fruit is the Loquat.

As for the other fruit trees, being Peach, Apple, Pear, Plum to name but a few, well, their crop is still a matter of a few very small fruits that we will eat as and when available, may be a few years yet before we start to get a glut of fruit, but we live in hope…..

Lighting up time........

One of the joy’s of life, living here, is that as the days get warmer and longer, we are able to sit ‘al fresco’ of an evening.

After an evening swim, followed by a relaxing Jacuzzi, it is already now in May, possible to sit on the terrace and enjoy our evening meal and of course the customary bottle of wine.

Quite often we might then adjourn to the pool side bar, to play a game of darts or two, or to just sit and enjoy the sunsets, which can be quite spectacular after a lovely sunny day.

Yesterday, we finally put up some string lights, which we had been given as a Christmas present, which we think gives the bar terrace a lovely ambience of an evening. You might just be able to make out the resident barman, Steve, ready to serve you………

Swimming time.....

The past week has been glorious weather here, in Valle de Abdalajis, and the water in the pool has warmed up enough too for a leisurely swim, as you can see from the piccie, in which Rachael is doing her daily lengths!!

We have, this year, invested in a new solar cover and roller for the pool. The solar cover is a much better quality than we had before and will hopefully warm the water much better and help reduce evaporation in the really hot weather.

The roller is brilliant…..in the past I have struggled to single-handedly roll up the 10m x 4m cover but now all I have to do is turn the handle…and hey presto – done!! To replace the cover is so easy too on my own whereas before it was nearly impossible.

All I need now is to find an automatic pool cleaner…!?!?

Fatima’s Big Day....

Friday the 1st May was a bank holiday here, so it was a welcome long weekend, busy but welcome.

We started of at the Communion celebration of Fatima, daughter of one of my workmates, Rafa, at the Viveros.

It was held at a restaurant just outside Antequera, This is obviously the ‘season’ for Communions, as there were 4 other celebrations going on as well.

The food was superb, with the all essential free flowing wine at the standby.

Afterwards it was all out onto the terrace area for kids fun and games and the disco in the corner, although I managed to forego the bouncy castle, shock horror I did manage to display my repertoire on the dance floor…… a brilliant time was had by all, so thanks Rafa for a lovely day.

The picture shows the proud parents with Fatima and little ‘Rafa’ junior.

That time of year......again...

As a complete change from working in the garden, weeding and generally tending to and tidying the numerous plants and flowers now in full bloom and enjoying the glorious weather, I have had the pleasure (???) of painting the house.

After the long,wet winter we have had the paintwork on the house definitely needed refreshing and repairing, to both look better and to protect it.

It was a very tiring but rewarding weeks work clambering up and down the tower scaffold and step ladder, but finally I am done…….for this year anyway!!!!

All worth while ........

It is a pleasure to be outside here at the moment, not only because we have such beautiful weather, but also because the gardens are spectacular too …very modest of us you might think !!!! but after all the hard work we have put into it, it is very rewarding to see it in full bloom.

Our recently planted roses, which love the clay soil (apparently??) are a riot of colour, reds, pinks, white and yellow along with the golden gazanias, which just seem to keep on multiplying, and of course the juicy purple flowered succulents which you can see in picture.

Aint it a picture….

Spanish fencing????……

Some of our regulars may remember that about 2 years ago we put our fence posts in ready to make it difficult for our animals to get out and other peoples animals, including sheep and goats, getting in.

Unfortunately, due to a nosey, know-it-all and very unfriendly neighbour, all progress was halted until we could come to some agreement with both them and the Ayuntamiento until we could continue……. making us the only house in Valle with planning permission, at a cost of approx €100, for fencing.

We still have not come to a totally mutual agreement on some aspects BUT the majority of the fencing is now up…Hallelujah…much to the disgust of both Mutley and the goats.

Baby pool?? …….

Lorna, my daughter, and Finnan, my grandson, are staying with us this week. The weather has been very changeable, from wet and windy to calm and sunny, as it is only March and we have not yet ‘opened’ the swimming pool for the summer season.

Finnan has, however, overcome this problem by asking if he could go in the baby pool?? After initial confusion we soon discovered that he meant the Jacuzzi!!!

He can be seen here enjoying the warmth and bubbles with his mummy.

Mutley’s close shave...........

Now that the warmer weather is here we thought it might be a good idea to get Mutley’s hair cut.

Some friends of ours, who have about 45 dogs at the moment (!!!) recommended a doggy parlour, where they said the people were both very good and reasonably priced. We duly made an appointment and dropped Mutley off, for an hour and a half, and went off and did some shopping.

On returning to the parlour, we looked everywhere to see our Mutley, but then were very shocked when she was led out …we did not recognise her!!!

For a whole week after this ‘makeover’ Mutley behaved very strangely and would hardly come out from her kennel …...we are still not sure whether it was because she was feeling cold, was having an identity crisis or was just plain traumatised!! But are happy to report that she is now back to her usual happy self.

Another day in Malaga....

This week I have been working inside the courtyard of the Museum of Malaga.

It is a fantastic 17th century building formed as a square with a centre garden area that is given a huge amount of shade by its own structure.

The Museum is currently closed for a massive 23 million € refurbishment, even though it underwent a total reform back in 1981 which took 10 years to complete.

Our job is to remove the large Seville orange trees, the overgrown Ivy that has climbed the building, and all other plants, as well as clean the dead branches from the huge Washington Palms that reach up to about 15 metres in height.

There is an arched covered walkway that surrounds the garden, which has domed ceilings that are now showing the brickwork from their original construction, apparently exposed in the last refurbishment.

The picture shows a corner of the courtyard with one of the palms awaiting cleaning, and one of the Birds of Paradise plants which need removing, as well as showing part of the magnificent building itself.

Guadalhorce lakes.....

The route, which we took, to Campillos, when going to and from the college with our logs, was via the Embalses de Guadalhorce (Lakes). A very winding and twisting road, hardly any traffic this time of year and so picturesque, being able to see at least one of the three lakes at every turn.

We both commented on how high the water levels were in all three lakes, in fact higher that we had ever seen them…not surprising really because we really have had a very wet winter. We actually climbed the 84 steps to a beautiful vantage point, from where you can see all three lakes…beautiful, but unfortunately the piccie, taken there, can only show one.

It, therefore, came as no surprise when we read today that the Drought Decree, which has been in force, in the Guadalhorce Valley for several years, has now been lifted. In fact the report also said that ‘ following the recent rains, a year’s supply for the city (of Malaga) fell last week’ !!! Apparently latest figures show the reservoir Conde de Guadalhorce is at 87% capacity…unheard of for years!!!

Apart from obviously being very good news for all of us personally, living in this area, it is very good news for all the migratory birds in the local Wetlands. The lake at Fuente de Piedra (45 minutes from here at Finca la Mariposa, has apparently an estimated 58,000 birds of 34 different species, including 1200 flamingos, all of which deserted the lake last year because of a lack of water.

Lumberjacks??…..

In total contrast to all the work we have done the past few weeks, by planting new trees, we have turned our hand to cutting them down!!

The Viveros, where Steve works, has got a contract to cut down several trees in the grounds of a college in Campillos, which is just 40 minutes away from us here at Finca La Mariposa, as many have become too tall.

We were given permission to go to the college, to continue to work there at the weekend, and any wood we cut we could take home for firewood for ourselves. As lena (firewood) costs, on average, €100 a ton we thought this was a good deal for both sides.

Not only did the work at the college get done quicker, but also we managed to fill our wood shed with about 3 ton of logs, ready for next winter for relatively little, just the fuel money there and back and …..a lot of hard graft… we can now see why logs cost so much!!!

Turning point??….

As mentioned previously this month, it has been a very long, very cold and very wet winter but hopefully things are beginning to look better.

We have had a few days of what we consider to be ‘normal’ weather, fresh but with blue skies, perfect for working out in the garden. Another good sign is the almond blossom that is visible everywhere now. The piccie is of one of our almond trees on the drive.

This time of year is traditionally tree planting time here in Andalucia and having managed to rotavate our land recently on a dry weekend, we have planted yet more Olive trees, making a total of about 55 now…hopefully, when they are bigger we should be inundated with olives?!?

Weather permitting, we hope to plant a few more almond trees at the weekend, if only just because they look so beautiful in the Spring.

Against all the Odds....

We are very pleased to present our first ever crop of Citrus Fruit…

OK, we know two very small but perfectly formed Lemons are nothing to really shout about, especially as we are located in a huge Lemon growing area, But…

Everybody we know, in the Village, and those I work with and for, at the Garden centre, kept telling us that we are located too high up for lemons to grow, but we wanted to plant a tree in the garden by the Pool Bar and be able to use them for our favourite tipple.

So, although we are not able to sell our huge crop on the open market, or justify changing the name of the Finca to anything to do with Lemons (not that we would), we remain quite smug with the fact the “Brits” have managed to grow them up here in the hills….

Every cloud has a silver lining….

This winter, here in Abdalajis, has been the coldest we have known, and according to many locals, the coldest for many, many years. We have had a few lovely sunny days but the nights have been mucho frio with temperatures down to –1°, and we have had to scrape the windscreens on a couple of occasions!!

Although we may not be impressed, I know that many skiers and snowboarders are ‘over the moon’ at the conditions on the Sierra Nevada mountain range, near Granada and only a couple of hours away from here. In fact, it is reported to be the ‘best ever’ year on the slopes there, with the recent weather leaving good amounts of snow, from 35cm to 3m deep on 100 pistes.

The Sierra Nevada (Snowy Range) is the most southerly ski resort in Europe, with it’s highest point being Mulhacen at 3479 metres, and with a season lasting from November through to April. Some years they have had to supplement the snow with the numerous snow cannons that they have there but I don’t think that they are using them this year..!!!

Cheers.....

The latter part of last year we picked our crop of Membrillas(Quince) fruit. They are not a fruit you eat as it is, so a recipe was needed.

Tania came up with a recipe found on the Internet called Ratafia which dated from the year 1733.

It was basically a liqueur, made only from the fruit of the Quince. Over the Christmas break it had fermented enough to try a tipple. Now, although we are not experts on such things as Alcohol, hardly drinking at all…. We think it was pretty good and may get better with age.

Whilst Bombing Along The Motorway...

As you all know we have been here for over three years, two and a half of those I have been working for a Spanish company which has helped my Spanish language. Tania has learnt quite a bit as well, whose vocabulary is certainly more extensive than mine.

English neighbours and friends assume therefore my Spanish language must be quite good. and we are occasionally asked to help out with translations etc.

There is, however, one problem with this assumption and that is that my workmates talk in Andaluz, which is a bit like English Cockney slang.

There is no doubt that my Spanish language has improved but there are still occasions where confusion reigns.

The other day whilst driving down the motorway to Malaga, Juanie a workmate pointed out the window and said Hombre De ETA I looked and saw a man standing in the field bordering the motorway.

Seeing me looking puzzled he again repeated, and I said in my best Spanish how did he know he was making a bomb. Roaring with laughter he wanted to know what did I mean. So I told him that I knew ETA was the Northern Spanish group of terrorists but how did he know he was one of them.

By now he had tears running down his face due to him laughing so much, he eventually explained that the guy was picking eta, you know he said like the bags we sell in the Garden Centre. It then dawned on me that he meant Seta, Spanish for Mushroom, but the local word was yep, ETA… what hope have I got……

Water Mystery Solved...

During the busy Christmas period we get to visit the village and talk to the locals about all manner of things, like the expected making up of the roads, the mains water supply and one thing in particular that has enraged pretty much all of the villagers, the blocking up of the water fountains.

It appears that quite a lot of villagers were unwell with serious stomach infections, which led to the village spring water being tested and found to be contaminated.

This may explain why we had experienced stomach trouble ourselves and which led to me missing several days off work with upset tum a while ago. The water from the drinking taps is still off; water for washing and irrigation is fine.

Of course, the blame is aimed at the new high-speed railway line, the AVE, that was cut through the mountain, which is the backdrop to the village, but who knows….

Greetings.....

Its that time of year again to send our best wishes for a Wonderful Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to all our Family,Friends,and Guests, past and future.

The weather here, over the holiday, has been glorious, not hot enough to get in the Pool, but great for the Jacuzzi.

This year has seen some changes about the place,the Apartment has been re-decorated and the shower has been given a water pump and a door, plants and trees have begun to get established, the Bar area has been completed, and we have a new front entrance with gates and a wall, as well as many other things too numerous to mention.

Rumours are getting stronger that the roads up from the village are to be Concreted and/or Tarmaced early in the new year, we will see, and keep you all posted.

And for all you Mutley fans out there, she is fine, getting craftier by the day and often lays on the drive looking down the hill, waiting for her next adoptive family to arrive.....

Climbers....

Many of our visitors take advantage of the proximity of Finca la Mariposa to El Chorro and spend a few hours sightseeing taking in the Caminito del Rey, the Gaitanes Gorge, the nearby lakes and just enjoying the beautiful sights but last weekend we had our first climbers staying here.

They were up bright and early every day in order to make the most of their days here., and they were surprised, I think, at how many climbing routes are available both at Chorro and at the back of the village.

They were also keen photographers and from the comments in our guest book, which can be seen on our ‘Testimonial’ page, I think we can expect to see some action shots of their climbs on www.prwilliams-photography.co.uk in the near future.

What a difference a day makes.....

Yesterday we had winter here, in Abdalajis!!

First thing in the morning it was exceptionally cold, down to 2 °, and it didn’t get much warmer all day. Just before lunchtime I notice a few spots of rain and then all of a sudden there was a white blizzard and we had SNOW!!

This morning, on my way to Antequera, the view of Torcal was very picturesque with it’s snowy cap (unfortunately I forgot the camera so I cannot share it with you)

Fortunately it didn’t settle here and it soon became rain again and today we were back to normal enjoying coffee on the terrace in the sun.

Worth a mention…..

Steve had been suffering with a slight toothache all weekend, and after a bit of persuasion, decided it would be a good idea to go to the dentist before it got too bad.

Fortunately, the dentist we have gone to the last couple of timesSanadent, in Antequera, is open late to accommodate workers. Luckily they managed to fit him in last night at 7pm.

After a few x-rays and a prod about it was decided that it was actually the gum that was infected and not the tooth. He was therefore given a prescription for some treatment to help but then came the surprise!! On asking cuanto dinero (how much is the bill), bearing in mind it was an emergency appointment and they had taken several x-rays, he was politely told that there would be no charge and it was gratis (free)!!!

It’s not often you get something for nothing and also hopefully this will help dispel the myth that health care is not up to much here in Andalucia…we have no complaints….so far!

One man and his dog....

As if I do not get enough gardening practice working for the Garden Centre, it was time this weekend to set about spraying the weeds growing through the stones around the pool.

Even though we did put anti weed matting down before we stoned, no one got to tell the weeds they could not grow there…..!!!!

Here, I can be seen dosing the little blighters with our new piece of equipment, watched over by the famous Mutley sitting on the edge of the pool.

It was also olive pruning time, yes our trees planted along the drive needed shaping for the next years growth, and as always planting the odd additions to our ever increasing plant population…. another busy weekend!!!

Quince harvest........

Most of our fruit trees have yielded some fruits this year which we have either eaten as they are, such as the peaches, apples and nisperos , or I have made some preserves with them, but when we picked the quinces I was not sure what to do with them.

After some research it seemed the most obvious thing was to make Quince jelly or marmalade, or even membrillo which is a paste that the Spanish make and then eat it with manchego cheese. However, I finally found a recipe for Ratafia, which is a quince based liqueur.

It originates from the 17th Century, when it appears that quince was a very popular fruit from which they made all manner of things, but the liqueur appealed to me.

After a couple of hours of peeling, grating and juice squeezing and then mixing with an equal measure of brandy, some cinnamon stick, sugar and cloves….I have a bottle of Ratafia of Quince which I hope will be ready for Christmas and/or New Year…can’t wait!!!

Repairs and Maintenance…

After a very busy summer of bookings….thank you all very much…..it is necessary to overhaul the Aciano apartment to keep it up to the high standard we aim to achieve.

As this past week we have had no bookings and the weather has finally produced some of the much needed rain, we decided that now was a good time to decorate and do any minor repairs that are needed.

Painting the high ceilings is no mean feat when you are only 5ft nothing, but today it is all done. As you can see from the piccie, after stripping and painting the kitchen and bathroom, everything from the bedroom area is carefully stacked into the kitchen area, leaving a clear room so that nothing is missed (or spoilt!!).

One improvement we are making is to install a shower door, as opposed to the shower curtain, to contain the water better in the shower tray, now that the water pressure is much stronger since the installation of the pump and water softener.

One more day of thoroughly cleaning everything and putting it all back into place and we are once again ready for business!

Mother nature works best alone......

Last year we made an attempt at growing melons but were not too successful. Some people said we did not water enough, some said we watered too much…!!

This year we decided not to bother, especially as they are as cheap as chips on the market or in the shops anyway.

On investigation of our plot today, checking to see if everything was ok after five consecutive days of heavy rain, I was down by the irrigation deposito next to the reed bed and was very surprised to find not one but three good sized, healthy looking melons growing there.

As they are right next to the compost heap, I can only imagine that they grew either from some seeds discarded there from some melons we had purchased or from the original plants that I threw there in disgust.

The lesson learnt from this is obviously don’t pay any attention to the produce you are trying to grow….just let nature take it’s course!!